Translation and Meaning of: 突き当たる - tsukiataru

The Japanese word 突き当たる (つきあたる) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those studying the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday usage, and how it fits into Japanese culture. If you have ever wondered how to correctly use this verb or what its most common context is, you are in the right place. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and detailed explanations to facilitate your learning.

Meaning and usage of 突き当たる

突き当たる is a verb that means "to collide with something," "to hit an obstacle," or, in a figurative sense, "to face a problem." It is often used to describe physical situations, like hitting a wall, but it also appears in more abstract contexts. For example, it can indicate when someone runs into a difficulty during a project.

In daily life, Japanese people use this word naturally, especially in informal conversations. A common case is when giving directions: if someone says "突き当たったら右に曲がってください", it means "when you reach the end of the street, turn right." This flexibility of use makes it worthwhile to master it.

Origin and structure of kanji

The writing of 突き当たる combines two significant kanjis. The first, 突 (totsu), carries the idea of "to penetrate" or "to push," while 当 (a) relates to "to hit" or "to reach." Together, they create a vivid image of something that advances until it meets resistance. This composition helps to understand why the verb is so used in situations of impact or confrontation.

It is worth noting that 突き当たる is a group 1 (godan) verb, which influences its conjugation. For students, this means paying attention to changes in the ending, especially in forms like the past (突き当たった) or the potential (突き当たれる). Mastering these details makes a difference in fluency.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 突き当たる is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of moments when you literally hit something, like a door or furniture, and visualize the word in that context. Another strategy is to create simple sentences, such as "If you go straight down this road, you'll hit the wall."

In Japan, this verb also appears in discussions about personal or professional challenges. Expressions like "問題に突き当たった" (to run into a problem) are common in work environments. Observing these uses in dramas or articles can help absorb its broader cultural meaning, going beyond the literal translation.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 突き当たる

• 突き当たる dictionary form 辞書形
• 突き当たります polite form 丁寧形
• 突き当たりました past form 過去形
• 突き当たっています continuous form ている形

Synonyms and similar words

• ぶつかる ( butsukaru ) - collide, meet with something, crash into
• 当たる ( ataru ) - to hit, to touch, meeting with something or someone
• 衝突する ( shōtotsu suru ) - collide, to have a violent impact, usually used to describe accidents
• 追い詰める ( oitsumeru ) - corner, pressure someone into an extreme situation
• 突きつける ( tsukitsukeru ) - to present aggressively, to pressure something against someone, usually in a context of threat

突き当たる

Romaji: tsukiataru
Kana: つきあたる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: to find; to collide with

Meaning in English: to run into;to collide with

Definition: Hit a wall or object.

Example Sentences - (突き当たる) tsukiataru

See below some example sentences:

突き当たるまで歩き続けた。

Tsukiataru made aruki tsuzuketa

I continued to walk until I reached the end of the street.

I kept walking until you hit it.

• 突き当たる - verb meaning "to collide with something", "to hit something"
• まで - particle indicating "until"
• 歩き続けた - compound verb meaning "kept walking"